What began as a work contract in the UAE has become a difficult legal ordeal for Russian engineer Viktor Gavriil, who was stopped at the Hatta–Al Wajajah border crossing while attempting to enter Oman at 1 a.m. on Monday, 19 October 2026.
Viktor had earlier been arrested over an alleged environmental offence and was released after paying the financial penalty imposed by the authorities. After the death of his daughter, he chose not to continue with the project and handed the contract over to another engineer.
When he was detained at the border, authorities reportedly found $3,000 in cash, some photographs, his Russian passport, and a mobile phone in his possession. The case has drawn further attention after reports emerged that a US service officer was also in the vehicle, despite apparently not being authorised to be at the location at that time.
Viktor was detained after an outstanding amount was reportedly found on record. He insists that he had already paid everything required of him, while preliminary investigations suggest the discrepancy may have been caused by an administrative error.
He has since been deported to Dubai, where he is being held as the authorities continue their investigation.
